Fred Saiz

Barber -- via me. He cut hair for seven decades, and for 60 years he owned and ran Silver & Gold Barbers on the Hill in Boulder. A nice guy, he did things like keep a bowl full of those good, big Tootsie Pops to give away to good children (and me). He gave out delicious Rocky Ford cantaloupes one day a year (he bought a truckful) to whoever stopped by the shop.

And he was the best damn barber I ever knew. He cut my hair for 25 years and never did anything less than an excellent job -- same thing for his staff as well. In this world, where incompetence and mendacity rule the day, you could count on Fred. You got your money's worth, every time. I can't think of another institution with a similar record.

It's a small but vital pleasure to get a good haircut, and masters of their craft are few and far between. Thanks, Fred, for being such a good example!